In Return To Colorado, Martin Says Hello On The Ice

LOVELAND, Colo. – On Saturday, February 19, the Abbotsford Canucks defeated the Colorado Eagles by a score of 2-1 in their first ever match-up.

Almost an hour after the final horn, the Canucks are finishing up their post-game meals, ten minutes out from leaving the arena. In the bowels of the Budweiser Events Center, Abbotsford netminder Spencer Martin emerges from the dining area, having just completed a 43-save effort after 44 shots on goal. The victory is his 10th win on the season.

In a strange coincidence, the 26-year-old Martin played for the Eagles during their first AHL season in 2018-19. It was his first time back in Loveland since starting his last home game for Colorado – February 17, 2019 — against the Stockton (formerly Abbotsford) Heat.

Martin took two and a half minutes to talk about the unique scenario. Being back in Colorado was bittersweet, but as the starting netminder for Abbotsford that evening, he had no illusions what the return truly meant.

“It was cool. It was like memory lane, being in the organization for so long. The opportunity to play against an old team was pretty exciting. There wasn’t too many guys left from when I played here as far as players.

“I didn’t hear from anybody as far as management or coaching staff when I got into town, so I felt like I’d say hello to them on the ice.”

AN AVS PROSPECT, FIRST AND FOREMOST

Spencer Martin was drafted in the third round, 63rd overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. While his first season was split between ECHL Fort Wayne and then-Colorado AHL affiliate San Antonio, the next three seasons were spent between San Antonio (two years) and AHL Colorado (one year). 

Eagles head coach Greg Cronin remembers Martin’s time with the club; it was his first season as bench boss of the newly-minted AHL organization. Even when recalling his limited ice time with the Eagles, Cronin had praise for the former Avs prospect after his victory this past Saturday.

“Frankie (Pavel Francouz) played 90% of the games (when Martin was here). When he did come in, I know he had some big games. Against Ontario, he had something like 60 saves [68, to be exact]. He was very, very good.

“I’m not a goalie guy, but he looked good tonight. He was square to the puck and saw a lot of them. He obviously did a good job; he was a couple minutes away from a shutout.”

It’s worth mentioning that a shutout on home ice alluded Martin when he was with the Eagles. In the 23 games played for Colorado, he posted a 9-10-5 record with a 3.40 goals against average, a .902 save percentage, and three shutouts on the road. His 0.101 goals saved above average/60 minutes (GSAA/60) was slightly better than league average that year.

After four seasons with the Colorado Avalanche organization, the club chose not to re-sign Martin after his contract expired. Instead, the Tampa Bay Lightning signed him to a one-year, two-way NHL contract on July 1, 2019.

TWO YEARS WITH THE CRUNCH

In 2019-20, Martin spent the first part of the season down with ECHL Orlando, playing four games with the Solar Bears before being called up to Tampa Bay’s AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, in November 2019. Martin then started a team-leading 33 games in net before the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the remainder of the AHL season and the playoffs.

Signing another one-year, two-way deal with Tampa Bay in October 2020, Martin would play one more season — the “pandemic year” — with the Crunch. As was the case with AHL Colorado, his time with Syracuse hovered around league average.

Even though the Lightning signed Martin to another one-year, two-way contract on May 3, 2021, Tampa Bay goalie prospects Hugo Alnefelt & Amir Miftakhov were poised to begin their pro careers in the AHL. With two  netminders ready to make their debuts, plus the signing of AHL veteran goaltender Maxime Legacé on July 28, Martin was the odd man out. He was traded to Vancouver on July 31, just three days after the Legacé acquisition.

However, being moved to the Canucks was a welcome one for Martin. It was all a matter of family.

“I was extremely excited, because I had a brother-in-law in (current San Jose Sharks forward) Jonah Gadjovich that played with Utica [the Canucks’ AHL affiliate in 2020-21] and was going to be with the Vancouver organization. So, we were together when I heard about that. Just hearing all good things about this organization, it was exciting.”

A RENEWED PURPOSE IN ABBOTSFORD

Since joining the Canucks organization, Martin has had a career renaissance. In the 13 games played for Abbotsford thus far this season, he’s compiled a 10-1-2 record, a 2.37 GAA, a .920 SV%, and two shutouts. Plus, his .282 GSAA/60 is the best on the team.

Martin has also compiled three games for Vancouver this season, his first NHL experience since backstopping three games for the Avalanche in 2016-17. His 1-0-2 record compliments a 1.59 GAA and .958 save percentage for the NHL Canucks. Those three match-ups took place all within the span of a week in late January.

“To be around (Tampa Bay) when they were winning their Cups was an incredible experience for me,” Martin stated. “I felt like that’s helped me get to the next level. And then, moving on from that organization to get a better opportunity, it’s been an awesome time here as well.”

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Before catching the bus back to his hotel, Martin commented on one last thing. There were only two players left from that inaugural 2018-19 Eagles squad that were still on the team: forwards Shane Bowers and Martin Kaut. With Bowers sustaining an injury in practice before the game (and playing just four games back in 18-19), the only one of the two Martin faced on the ice Saturday night was Kaut.

“You know, we had friendly conversations. I can’t quite remember what he said to me (before the final Eagles power play). But, he’s an incredible player. He was the only guy that was there with me when I was here. So, to see his growth and how he played tonight – and how I’m sure he’ll play going forward for this organization – is pretty cool.”

Abbotsford will host the Pacific Division leading Stockton Heat on Friday, February 25 and Sunday, February 27. The AHL Canucks will then remain in Canada to play its first ever games against the Toronto Marlies (March 2 & 9) and Laval Rocket (March 4-5) before heading back home to British Columbia to host the Eagles in a two-game set (Friday, March 11 & Sunday, March 13).